The author is well known for his atheism – and his criticism of creationism and theories of ‘intelligent design’.

California radio station KPFA cancelled an event at which Dawkins was due to speak, saying, ‘We had booked this event based entirely on his excellent new book on science, when we didn’t know he had offended and hurt – in his tweets and other comments on Islam – so many people.’

In a 2013 Tweet, Dawkins described Islamism as a ‘force for evil.’

@ToddKincannon I think Islam is the greatest force for evil in the world today. I've said so, often and loudly.What are you talking about?

Dawkins responded with an open letter on his website, saying, ‘I am known as a frequent critic of Christianity and have never been de-platformed for that. Why do you give Islam a free pass? Why is it fine to criticise Christianity but not Islam?

Dawkins has frequently spoken out against religion Getty

‘My memory of KPFA is that you were unusually scrupulous about fact-checking. I especially admired your habit of always quoting sources.’

‘You conspicuously did not quote a source when accusing me of ‘abusive speech’. Why didn’t you check your facts – or at least have the common courtesy to alert me – before summarily cancelling my event?’